The primary purpose of the New Deal during the Great Depression was to provide economic relief, recovery, and reform for the American populace. Instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s, the New Deal aimed to counteract the devastating effects of the economic downturn. It introduced a series of programs, including Social Security, public works projects, and financial sector reforms, which were designed to stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and restore public confidence in the economy. Through these measures, the New Deal sought to create a safety net for vulnerable populations and stabilize the American economy.